Obits

Updated 4:10 pm, Monday, September 26, 2011

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Patrick Francis Barron, 85, of Greenwich and Jupiter, Fla. died peacefully on Sept. 17 after a short illness.

"Frank" Barron (as he was always known) was born in 1926 in the Dorchester section of Boston, Mass., the fifth of eight children born to John and Katherine Barron, who had emigrated from Ireland. He graduated from Boston College High School in 1944 and then served in the Navy until the end of World War II.

In 1950, while attending Boston College on the G.I. Bill, he married his childhood sweetheart, Audrey Lutz, also of Dorchester, with whom he went on to have six sons. Following his graduation from BC, the couple moved to Cleveland, OH, where Barron, after a brief stint working in the post office, broke into radio and then television advertising.

In 1961 Barron moved with his wife, Audrey and their sons to Greenwich. He helped found Storer Television Sales Inc., a subsidiary of the Storer Broadcasting Company, in New York City and served as president of the company from 1967 until his retirement in 1986.

From 1987, he and his wife divided their time between Greenwich and Jupiter, Fla. Barron was an enthusiastic and talented golfer and a master bridge player. He was a 50-year member of Winged Foot Golf Club and a longstanding member of both Pine Valley and Jupiter Hills golf clubs.

Among his many friends, he was regarded as a larger than life character known for his outgoing nature, the warmth of his friendship, and his love of a good story. He was devoted to and took great pride in the family he raised with his wife, Audrey, instilling in his sons and, later, his grandchildren a deep appreciation for the value of education. He endowed a scholarship at Boston College High School in the name of his mother Katherine Barron and, on the occasion of his and Audrey's 50th Wedding Anniversary; his sons endowed a scholarship fund in their parents' name at Fairfield Prep in Fairfield, their alma mater.

Barron is survived by his loving wife Audrey, as well as by his sons and daughters-in-law, Francis and Eve Barron, of Greenwich; Gregory and Sarah Barron, of London, England; Robert and Jennifer Barron, of La Jolla, Calif.; William and Ketsara Barron, of Hong Kong; and Andrew and Kimberly Barron, of California. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren. One son, Richard Barron, predeceased him.

Friends may call today, Sept. 23 at Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, from 2-4 p.m. or from 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Michael's Church, 469 North Street, on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. with burial at St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Francis and Audrey Barron Scholarship Fund, Fairfield Prep, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824-5157.

Drinkwater was born on April 11, 1917, in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada, the daughter of James H. and Charlotte (Strachan) Willmott. Her family moved to Greenwich where she was the salutatorian of her high school graduating class. She and John Hamilton Drinkwater were married on April 20, 1949 at St. Mary's Church in Greenwich. She also resided in Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y.; Hinsdale, Ill., and Venice, Fla. Following the death of her husband in September 2003, she moved to Roxbury.

Drinkwater was an accomplished secretary and office manager (she never stopped making notes in shorthand), homemaker, cook, seamstress and above all a mother who always focused on taking care of her family. Her ability to find the positives in life will serve all who follow her. Her gift for poetry expressed in her poems on hand-made cards for every holiday will be missed by all.

Drinkwater is survived by her children, John Hamilton Drinkwater, Jr., of Sherman Oaks, Calif., Denise Drinkwater, of St. Louis, MO; and Richard P. Crowley, and his wife, Luz N., of Roxbury; four grandchildren, Kevin Crowley, of Bethel; Gerald Crowley and wife, Katherine, of Cheshire; Richard Crowley, Jr., and wife, Heather, of Woodbury, Minn.; and Patrick Crowley, and wife, Sarah, of Middlebury; six great grandchildren, Lydia Marie, Ryan, Hannah, Ashton, Catherine and Sean Crowley. Also by her sister in-law Doady Drinkwater and family, of Dallas, Texas; two nephews, James Willmott and family, of Marstons Mills, Mass., and David Willmott, of Scituate, Mass. Also surviving are lifelong friends Richard Salvatore, of Greenwich, and Karen Dustin, of Randolph, Vt., and special friend Livia Fiordelisi, of Woodbury.

Drinkwater's sister Evelyn Willmott wrote of her in 1929: "They took the blue of the sky for your eyes/The gold of the sun for your hair/The glorious hue of a full-blown rose for your blushes passing fair./With an elfin dash for your quaint dear ways, and the grace of the nymph Diane,/ they made you and sent you to light our days, all the lilt, all the life of Pan."

The family wishes to thank the staffs of New Milford and Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation for their care and the many kindnesses given to Drinkwater. The Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School St. is assisting with private arrangements. Online condolences may be made through www.munsonloveterefuneral.com

Kalinka Gospodinoff Gateff

Kalinka Gospodinoff Gateff, 92, of Greenwich, died on Sept. 13 at home with family by her side.

She was born on May 20, 1919, in Selo Kormiansko, Bulgaria, the daughter of the late Elia and Neda Gospodinoff. In 1935, she came to Greenwich with her mother and two brothers to join her father, who had come to this country in 1928 to make a better life for his family.

Her greatest joy was when her family came to visit and her home was always open to everyone. She delighted in cooking for her family and when plates were empty, she would always add more. She also loved caring for her flowers and vegetable garden. Even in her final days, she wanted to take care of her garden. She always looked forward to the summer, where she was a regular at Island Beach, spending many hours swimming and sunning. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have many fond memories with her there.

Gateff was predeceased by her loving husband, Danko, in 1993. She is survived by a son, Eli D. Gateff and his wife, Esther, of Springfield, Va.; and a daughter, Penie Jarrett and her husband, Bill, of Stamford; her grandchildren, John M. Gateff and his wife, Carrie, David Gateff, Tammy Perrone and her husband, Greg, Eli M. Gateff and his wife, Wendy, Cindy Wettenstein and her husband, Paul, Christine Cocchia and her husband, Dave, Cathy Linask and her husband Erik; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. In addition, she was predeceased by her brother, Pencho, and her brother, Din, who joined her in Heaven two days after she died.

Gospodin (Din) Gospodinoff, 90, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died on Sept. 15 at his daughter's home in Florida.

He was born in Kormensko, Bulgaria on June 20, 1921, the son of Elia and Neda Gospodinoff, and brother of the late Pencho Gospodinoff and the late Kalinka Gateff. He emigrated to the United States in 1935 where he lived in Greenwich ever since. He graduated from Greenwich High School and from Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute. He served in the in the 8th Army Air Corp 100th Bomb Group (The Bloody 100) as a belly gunner on a B-17 flying fortress, leaving with the rank of Staff Sargent. While with the Corp he broadcast for Radio Free Europe in both Bulgarian and English.

Gospodinoff established Greenwich Landscape in 1946 with his father and uncle, and was later joined by his son, Tom Gospodinoff, the current president. He was an avid vegetable gardener and golfer. He was a member of the Griff Harris Men's Golf Club; American Nursery and Landscape Assn.; Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Assn., Connecticut Tree Protective Assn. and Westchester Fairfield Horticultural Society.

He danced his way through many weddings and parties. We laughed at his great wit and celebrated countless family and friends gatherings. He was a hard working man who, most of all, loved his family.

A service celebrating his life was held at the Castiglione Funeral Home on Sept. 19. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer's Association and/or Connecticut Nurserymen's Foundation 251 Hop River Road, Bolton, CT 06043.

Joan Thoms Gray

Joan Thoms Gray, 78, of Springfield, Va., previously of Stuart, Fla. and Old Greenwich, died on Sept. 8.

She was born on Sept. 16, 1932, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and graduated from Garden City High School and Mount Holyoke College. She taught in the Greenwich Public Schools for more than 15 years and served on the Boards of the Old Greenwich School PTA, Greenwich Health, Greenwich Library and the Greenwich Junior League.

In recent years, Gray volunteered for Meals on Wheels, the Stuart Public Schools, and the Council on Aging of Martin County, where she served as a board member for over 18 years. She will be remembered for her loving and generous spirit, her devotion to family and her undying love of the New York Giants.

She was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Herbert King Gray and is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Stuart and Margi Gray, of Stamford; her daughter, Nancy Gray Vibert, of Springfield, Va.; and her grandchildren, Alex and Taylor Gray, and Doug and Jenny Vibert.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, September 25, at 11 a.m. at Woodland Cemetery in Bellport, N.Y. Those who wish may make contributions in her name to the Council on Aging of Martin County, 900 SE Salerno Road, Stuart, FL 34997.

Donald Jeans

Donald Jeans, 91, of Cos Cob, died peacefully on Sept. 19, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 16, 1920, in Stamford, and was the last surviving sibling of eight brothers and two sisters born to William and Emily Jeans. He was a decorated Veteran of WWII, a member of the Army Air Corp and saw action in the South Pacific. He was an avid fisherman and gardener and had a love for wildlife. He worked many years delivering milk for Sealtest, a job which he loved. Among his friends, he was known for his warmth of friendship and his love of a good story.

He was married to his wife of 47 years, Madlyn C. Morrell who predeceased him in 1989. He was also predeceased by two sons, Donald R. Jeans and David W. Jeans. He is survived by two daughters, Dale Falco (Matthew), and Diana Pucci (James). He is also survived by his loving six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren that brought joy to him whenever they were around.

Friends gathered for Jeans on Sept. 21 at the Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home. Internment was private.

She was born on Jan.15, 1919, in Springfield, Ohio, to Charles and Hetty Passavant. She grew up in Zelienople, Pa., and was an outstanding student-athlete at Zelienople High School. She attended Smith College, graduating in the Class of 1940. She met her late husband, Charles B. Kaufmann Jr., in Sea Island, Ga., and they were married in 1942. Kaufmann worked for several years in the Administration Office at Rosemary Hall School in Greenwich, and later served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross and the Stamford Hospital.

She was an active member of the Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, and an avid gardener and bridge player. She was also a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and will be forever missed and loved by her family members and many others who knew her.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to the many individuals, especially Benjamin Abraha, as well as the staff at Atria Darien and others, who contributed so much to the quality of her life in recent years.

Edith Natalina Kelley, 82, an Old Greenwich resident, died peacefully on Sept. 19. She was born Dec. 24,1928 in San Vincenzo La Costa, Consenza, Italy, the daughter of late John and Elvira Lagana Giacinto. She lived most of her adult life in Old Greenwich. She retired from the Greenwich school system and also worked with her son at Alpan Pantry.

Kelley was predeceased by her husband, Edward H. Kelley, and her sister, Rita C. Tordo. She was the mother of four children, Lorain Kelley Lovejoy, of Old Greenwich, Kenneth Kelley, of Wallingford, Gail Kelley Frano, of Monroe, and Gary Kelley, of Greenwich. She is also survived by her sister Gigi Bambace, of West Harrison, N.Y., and her brothers-in-law Jack Bambace and Orlando Tordo. She was also the grandmother of nine and the proud great-grandmother of one great-grandson.

The memorial service was held on Sept. 22 at the St. Catherine of Siena Church, Riverside. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to GADC River House or Greenwich Hospice. To leave condolences for the family please visit: www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com.

C. Peter Lasorsa,

C. Peter Lasorsa, 85, a life-long resident of Greenwich, died on Sept. 9 in his home, with family by his side.

He was born on April 1,1926, to the late Peter and Lena LaSorsa of Bruce Park Avenue. He was a veteran of WW II, where he served his country in the Navy, and was very proud to have survived seven battles aboard a tanker in the South Pacific under the command of Admiral Halsey. He had a passion for automobiles, to which he dedicated his early career. He worked as a shop foreman and service manager for D' Elia Motors, where he was affectionately known by the nickname of Commando. He enjoyed tinkering with anything with a motor, and was well known for his diagnostic and repair skills.

He advanced his automotive career in sales and service with Fiat of Greenwich, and finally retired from the position of service manager for Aston Martin/Lagonda in 1986. Over the years, he and his wife Anna invested in rental properties, which developed into a new vocation. He enjoyed applying his talents for renovation and repairs in maintaining those properties.

He loved music, and was a long-time member of the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corp, for which he played the cymbals in their award-winning marching band. They were honored to play at the opening of Expo `67 World's Fair in Montreal, Canada. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Retired Men's Association of Greenwich.

He was an avid gardener, who will always be remembered for his beautiful spring tulip display surrounding the rock garden on the corner of Home Place at the entrance to Bruce Park. Other favorite past times included restoring antique cars and furniture, boating and fishing with his son, playing golf, and sharing time with family and friends at the beach. He liked to escape the seasonal chill of New England, and spent many happy winters in his home in Ocean Ridge, Fla.

Lasorsa was predeceased by his loving wife Anna Colaluca LaSorsa in 1994. He is survived by three daughters and a son; Lisa LaSorsa, Anna Seely, Tina Welles, and Peter LaSorsa II; two sons in-law and daughter in-law Christopher Seely, James Welles III, and Helen LaSorsa; four grandchildren, James Welles IV, Connor Welles, Dale LaSorsa, and Chandler LaSorsa; and two step-grandchildren Michael Seely, and Nicholas Seely. In addition, he was predeceased by his sister Millie Coppola; and brothers in-law Louis Coppola, and Luke Frangione. He is also survived by his sister Jenny Frangione, as well as four nephews and two nieces, and their children.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Sept. 17 at St. Mary's Church with interment following at St. Mary Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were by Castiglione Funeral Home.

May was born on Oct. 25, 1915, in Chicago, Ill. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from University of Rochester in 1937 and was a graduate of The Advanced Management Program, Harvard University, 1950. He joined E. I. du Pont de Nemours in 1937 where he was a member of the team who invented rust proof paint.

May joined American Can Company in 1940. He became Chairman and CEO in 1965. He held these positions until his retirement in 1980. Mr. May then served as New York University's Dean of the Graduate School of Business Administration until 1984. He served as CEO of The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation becoming Chairman Emeritus in 2006.

He was on the board of directors of Bankers Trust Company, Johns Manville Corporation, The New York Times, Solomon Brothers, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Trustee of American Museum of Natural History, University of Rochester, United Mid-Coast Charities, and The Farnsworth Museum, Rockland, Maine.

A private memorial service was held on Sept. 21. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts or New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Andrew Carruth

McCulloch

Andrew Carruth McCulloch, 85, died on Aug. 27 at Kendal at Hanover in Hanover, N.H.

He was born Aug. 10, 1926, in Greenwich, to Andrew and Victoria Carruth McCulloch, who were from Scotland. In his teens, he became a John Powers model and an actor, understudying several roles on Broadway. At age 17, he toured the country playing the eldest son in the road show of Life with Father. After graduation from the Professional Children's School in New York City, he entered Dartmouth College under the V-12 Naval Officers Training Program.

Following his graduation from Dartmouth in 1947, he remained in the Naval Reserve and was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. For two years, McCulloch served aboard the USS Capricornus, an attack cargo ship attached to the Atlantic fleet. After his discharge from the Navy, he became a production coordinator for NBC Television, where he met many intriguing people through his work on the Today Show. These included Frank Lloyd Wright, Archbishop Spellman of New York, and jeweler Harry Winston, who once handed him the Hope Diamond to hold.

In a change of career, he obtained his MBA from Columbia Business in School in 1956 and joined IBM Corp. as a financial analyst. In 1957, he married Joan Houston. They had two children and lived for 30 years in Greenwich, during which time Andy was a trustee and treasurer of the Professional Children's School, a Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church and a Commander of the Sound Beach Power Squadron.

By 1984, he was program manager of finance and business courses for IBM. After 28 years with IBM, he retired to take the position of Associate Director of Executive Programs at Columbia Business School. Two years later, he became Administrative Director of the Institute for Quantitative Research in Finance (The Q Group), where he helped manage their biannual seminars for investment and financial executives. A highlight of the period was the fall seminar of 1990, during which one member, William Sharpe, was awakened by a 3 a.m. call from Sweden, telling him he was a winner of the Nobel Prize in economics.

He retired from The Q Group in 1996 and moved with his wife to Hanover, N.H., where he has served as President of the Dartmouth Class of 1947 and as an elder of the Kearsarge Community Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife, by two children, Andrew H. McCulloch, of New Canaan, and Cynthia McCulloch Conarroe, of Greenwich; and by four grandchildren, Laura McCulloch and Heather, Roger and Gregory Conarroe.

Donations may be made to the Professional Children's School, 132 West 60th St., New York, NY 10023 or to Kearsarge Community Presbyterian Church, 82 King Hill Rd., New London, NH 03257.

Florence Clark McGrath, 93, a long time resident of Greenwich, died peacefully at Greenwich Hospital on Sept. 10.

She was born on Jan. 6, 1918, in Pawtucket, R.I., to George Russell Clark and Elizabeth Haworth Clark and was raised in Valley Falls, R.I. She graduated from Cumberland High School in 1935, Catherine Gibbs School in 1937, and the Boston School of Dental Nursing in 1943.

She was married to Philip Scott McGrath for 17 years, and moved to Greenwich in 1958, where she was employed as a secretary at Canada Dry Corporation until her retirement in 1982. She served as a leader and president for the Blackstone Valley Girl Scout Council in Rhode Island, and later as a volunteer with the Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary.

McGrath enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading and visits to Tod's Point. Although she had no children, she is survived by her "adopted" family of 25 years, Timothy and Anne Brown, and their children, Nicholas, Gregory, Matthew and Christina, and many friends.

A Memorial Service celebrated her life on Sept. 17 at the Merry Go Round Mews in Greenwich. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Merry Go Round Mews, 1/2 Bolling Place, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Suzy Hansen North

Suzy Hansen North, daughter of Violet Colt Hansen, and Philip H. Hansen of St. Paul, Minn. and Portland, Maine, died on Sept. 11. She considered herself a New Englander first and a New Yorker second, so it was appropriate that she died on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack.

In her professional life, North was an editor of Harper's Bazaar and held positions in public relations at Allied Chemical and CBS in New York City. In Washington, D.C., she was with the Capital Association of Advertisers. As a young woman she worked in fashion retail and as a wedding consultant. She retired to Williamsburg, Va. in 2003. North's volunteer work included being a director of the Red Cross Blood Program in Greenwich.

In New York City, she taught teenage girls in Harlem gracious living. In Washington she was a member of the American Newswomen's' Association, and The National Cathedral Literacy Program, where she tutored first graders. She was also a volunteer at the Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg.

North traveled extensively to Europe, China, Russia, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. She loved to dance, play bridge, read, and converse. She especially enjoyed music, architecture, interior design, and fine dining. She entertained frequently at her home in Ford's Colony.

In addition to New York City, Washington D.C. and Greenwich, she lived in Boston and Irvington, Va. She had friends in many places who will miss her wit, generosity, grace, joie de vie, class, independence, loyalty, and strength. The family thanks the Peninsula Cancer Institute of Williamsburg for caring for Suzy during her two year battle against cancer. Her legacy will continue in her family and friends, especially the five ladies she lovingly referred to as her "Angels."

She is survived by her son, Christopher Colt North; grandchildren Matthew Colt North, Kathryn Clayton North, and Christopher Colt North II; and great-grandchild Ellasynne Ryder McCleskey. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Joan Cherniack Reader

Joan Cherniack Reader, daughter of Isadore Cherniack and Anna Frankel Cherniack, died at noon on Sept. 16, surrounded by loving members of her family.

She is predeceased by her husband Norman H. Reader. She is survived by her brother, Lewis Cherniack, of Stamford; sister, Susan Wise, of Stamford; daughter, Janis Reader-Forgotson, of Westport; son, Paul Reader, of New Canaan; five grandchildren: Adam Reader; Melissa Eldred; Matthew Forgotson; and Jay and Alanna Reader; and two great grandchildren.

The funeral was held on Sept. 18. Funeral arrangements were by Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral. Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the Silvermine School of Art in memory of Joan Reader.

Born April 29, 1912, in Tipperary, Ireland, Reynolds immigrated to Alberta, Canada, and then to Stamford, where she met and married Howard M. Reynolds in 1933. The couple had one son, Howard K. Reynolds, who predeceased Reynolds.

She is survived by four grandchildren, Kimberly (Todd) Oeding, of Norwalk, Kevin (Gina) Reynolds, of Fairfield, Michael (Tina) Reynolds, of Monroe, and Kent (Maggie) Reynolds, of Greenwich; four great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Kent, Molly and Jack; her daughter-in-law, Shelley; and former daughter-in-law, Ginny.

A Memorial Service was held on Sept. 18 at the Nathaniel Witherell Nursing Home in Greenwich.

She was born on March 6, 1913, in Yonkers, N.Y., daughter of the late Joseph and Caroline (Smeriglio) Caruso. She graduated from Greenwich High School and won full scholarships to study and earn her degree in education at the College of New Rochelle, and continuing studies at Columbia University.

She is survived by her children, William Searles and his wife, Brenda, of Tolland, Mass., Kenneth Searles, and his wife, Eileen, of New Rochelle, N.Y., and Barbara Christiansen, and her husband, Michael, of Carlsbad, Calif.; Carolyn Searles, of Bedford, N.Y., her daughter-in-law, Nancy Searles, of Katonah, N.Y.; her sister, Mary Hughes, of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; She was the beloved "Nana" to 23 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband of 39 years, William K. Searles Sr.; her son, Richard J. Searles, as well as siblings, Joseph Caruso, Frank Caruso, Patrick Caruso, Angelina Gauruder, and Carmela Santaguida.

A Mass of the Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Sept. 17, at St. Roch's Church, 10 St. Roch's Ave, Greenwich followed by interment at St. Mary Cemetery, 399 North Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .

Rose M. Tomaselli

Rose M. Tomaselli, 93, a lifelong resident of Greenwich, died on Sept. 17 with her family by her side. She was predeceased by her husband, Alfonso Tomaselli, on Nov. 19, 1979.

Tomaselli was born on Nov. 16, 1917, to the late Rocco and Margaret Pennella. She enjoyed gardening and going for walks but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and most especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, William Tomaselli, her daughter, Maureen Leibrock, and husband, William, and her grandchildren, Dawn Pennella and John McHale. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, Frank and Dominick Pennella, a sister, Isabel Confalone, and her daughter-in-law Carmela Tomaselli.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Sept. 20 at Sacred Heart Church, with interment following in St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Bendheim Cancer Center, 5 Perryridge Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830. Funeral arrangements were by the Castiglione Funeral Home Inc.